Samsung’s Foldable Phones Attract More iPhone Users
Samsung recently disclosed that its Galaxy Z Fold8 series has seen a record influx of users switching from iPhones, with a conversion rate 1.6 times higher than the previous Fold7 and Flip7 generation. Approximately 30% of Galaxy Z Flip8 buyers migrated from rival brands, many purchasing a foldable device for the first time. The US market shows a particularly notable trend, boosted by Samsung’s enhanced Smart Switch tool, which now allows users to transfer iPhone data via QR code scanning without installing additional apps, streamlining the device transition.
Launching its first Galaxy Fold in September 2019, Samsung maintains a seven-year lead over Apple in foldable phone releases, reinforcing its dominant position in this segment.
Apple Introduces iPhone Duo With High-End Specs
Apple unveiled its first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, on September 9, with prices starting at $1,999 for the 256GB model and reaching $3,199 for the 2TB version. The phone features a 7.6-inch main internal screen paired with a 5.4-inch external display and employs a titanium alloy body, making it Apple’s largest-screened iPhone to date. Pre-orders begin on October 16, with shipments starting October 23 across the US and over 70 other countries. This launch marks the first major product release under new Apple CEO John Turnus.
Market research firm Counterpoint forecasts the global foldable phone market to grow at an annual rate of 21% through 2026. Samsung is expected to maintain around a 32% share, while Apple could capture roughly 25%. Meanwhile, Huawei is projected to continue its strong foothold in the Chinese market.
Market Reaction and Apple's Stock Movement
Apple’s stock closed at $315.34 on the day of the iPhone Duo announcement, a slight dip of 0.28%. Analysts note that following nearly 24 Apple product launches, approximately 10 have experienced a one-day post-launch stock decline—an event commonly identified as a "sell the news" reaction—though prices often rebound within 30 days.
The migration of iPhone users to Samsung's foldable devices is a clear trend, but the market impact of Apple’s new foldable will hinge on subsequent sales and consumer reception. As competition intensifies with an expanding range of foldable smartphones, industry watchers will closely monitor both companies’ strategies and user adoption moving forward.